Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) is an annual humanistic scheme designed to encourage media responsibility. DAME’s first outing was on March 20, 1992. Eight awards in Print Journalism were given to deserving professionals. The Vice President, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu was the Special Guest of Honour...| Read more

STRENGTHENING THE DAME IDEA
By Lanre Idowu, CEO, Diamond Publications and DAME Trustee

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I stand here very privileged to welcome you to the 20th presentation of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence. I do so, on behalf of the Trustees of DAME and all the good people associated with the DAME programme---sponsors, judges, friends and well-wishers. By some fascinating coincidence, this weekend has witnessed three media awards in the country. On Friday, December 9, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism held their 6th presentation. Yesterday, in Ondo, the Nigerian Media Merit Award held their 19th edition and today, DAME is celebrating the 20th edition. I think it is a positive development and deserves to be applauded.

I recall with a warm glow to the heart that 19 editions ago, some of us were gathered in this same hall, specifically on March 20, 1992, to witness the first DAME presentation. We started on a modest note, offering eight prizes to print journalists. Since then, we have expanded our focus to include broadcasters and advertising practitioners.

Every year, without fail, we have hosted the annual DAME awards. We have done so in the firm conviction that the media of mass communication as shapers of our public consciousness occupy a privileged and powerful position in our lives that everything possible must be done to nudge them to tread the path of ethical responsibility. We have done so in the knowledge that the human spirit values appreciation and recognition, especially when it is for something positive and edifying... |Read more